STEN vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

STEN (iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. STEN charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

STEN vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) and Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STEN achieves a 8.04% return, which is significantly higher than OCTB's 6.34% return.

STEN

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 2.98%
• YTD: 8.04%
• 6M: 8.44%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 6.34%
• 6M: 6.87%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

STEN vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STEN iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF	8.04%	2.89%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.34%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between STEN and OCTB is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 15, 2025	0.97

Return for Risk

STEN vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) and Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	STEN	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.70	2.00	-0.30

Drawdowns

STEN vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STEN drawdown since its inception was -6.21%, which is greater than OCTB's maximum drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STEN and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	STEN	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.21%	-4.79%	-1.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-0.02%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-0.70%	-0.22%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STEN	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.22%	7.18%	+2.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.22%	7.18%	+2.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.22%	7.18%	+2.04%

STEN vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

STEN has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than OCTB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

STEN vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

STEN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.29%, while OCTB has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
STEN iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF	0.29%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STEN and OCTB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, STEN and OCTB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, STEN or OCTB?

On fees, OCTB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STEN or OCTB?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for STEN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STEN or OCTB?

STEN has the higher dividend yield at 0.29%, compared with 0.00% for OCTB.

What is the main difference between STEN and OCTB?

They also come from different issuers: BlackRock and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for STEN and 0.25% for OCTB.